This six week course is designed exclusively for those who are new to wheel work and is open for ages 12 through adult. Have fun while gaining confidence on the potters wheel. Small class size ensures that each student receives personalized, one-on-one instruction and encouragement for a fascinating hands-on experience that will bring out the potter in you.

Tuition includes the first 25 pound bag of clay. Additional clay may be purchased during class for $30 per bag which also includes glazing and firing fees. Enrolled students may also participate in one open studio session per week: Open Studios: Wednesday & Saturday 1 - 4

TUITION: $220 (member $202) includes the first bag of clay. Additional bags of clay may be purchased during class for $30 per bag which includes glazing & firing fees. Enrolled students may also participate in one open studio session per week.Cancellation Policy: Student may cancel up to 7 days before the first day of class for a 15% fee. There are no refunds after the 7-day cut-off date. If the Sedona Arts Center has to cancel the class for any reason, all money paid will be refunded in full.

NOTE: Richard's Satruday, December 3 class will take place on Friday, December 2 from 9am to noon. All other classes take place on Saturday from 9am to noon.

Workshop Materials List

“I enjoyed the class, Richard has much to teach enjoyed his process of creation.” – Mary Pallais, Sedona AZ

“Richard is patient and helpful in demonstrating and assisting hesitant new-bees in the difficult process of hands-on the wheel experience.” – Mary Pallais, Sedona AZ

“Richard is very patient and helpful for learning the basics. He seems to know which students want help and acts accordingly. He creates a learning atmosphere that is not pressured but still challenging. I think he is a good teacher and one can also learn a lot from the pots he creates and glazes himself.” - Marguerite Aye, Sedona AZ

“Richard is a very calm, informative, highly capable instructor. His manner in teaching leads one to be extremely confident in their beginning capabilities. I loved being in his class.” - Adrianne Bacavis

“Richard goes out of his way to insure that I am getting the most out of the class. He is always helpful and very knowledgeable.” - Irene Dominguez, Flagstaff AZ

“Great instructor, very helpful and knowledgeable. I have been very pleased with his style and have learned a lot.” – Irene Dominguez, Flagstaff AZ

About Richard Bayles

"Years ago I read an article titled "From Rock to Pot" which described the weathering process that turns rock into clay. Giant boulders of feldspar and other hard minerals crash and tumble down rivers and streams to end up in quiet pools where the microscopic-sized pieces of rock collect and form deposits of clay. For 12,000 years people have mixed clay with water and added fire to create useful and beautiful pottery. It's strange that I'm so enamored with a procedure that has been in use for over twelve millennia. You could say that combining clay with water and adding fire is in my DNA.

On my first visit to the to the ceramics department of the Sedona Arts Center, not only was I warmly greeted and welcomed by the instructor, I intuitively recognized that somehow I belonged there. Student potters of all levels, working and creating in a friendly environment was like a portal opening to new beginnings for me. Weeks later I became a Loving Bowls volunteer and didn't miss any of the Thursday afternoon sessions for the rest of the year. I was invited by the instructor to become a monitor, helping to maintain the workshop and assisting students during open studio. Now, after completing several six-week courses and two workshops I know that I definitely am where I belong.

My formal education in ceramic arts includes twelve semesters divided between Glendale Community College, NAU and Yavapai College. Special thanks to two inspirational and important ceramists in my life, Robert Lundeen and Tom Bivins.

For the last dozen years I've produced pottery out of my studio in west Sedona and many of these pieces have been featured in galleries in the area. I have also had the pleasure of participating in several southwestern fine art shows.

My role as an instructor for beginning potters is not just as a teacher but as a confidence builder; someone who encourages and perhaps kindles or rekindles a love affair with ceramics. Best of all, I know from my own experience with the Sedona Arts Center that every new learner will be working and creating alongside some of the finest and friendliest people in Northern Arizona."